NFL Playoffs: Steelers Hopeful Ben Roethlisberger Can Play Through Injury

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to hold off their AFC North division rivals this weekend with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but it may have come at a cost.

Following the two-point win over the Bengals, Pittsburgh is headed to the Divisional Round of the AFC playoffs to take on the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Unfortunately, Ben Roethlisberger’s status for that game remains uncertain.

After suffering a shoulder injury against Cincinnati, Roethlisberger is hoping to play through the injury to help the Steelers advance to the AFC Championship Game to face either the New England Patriots or Kansas City Chiefs. With Roethlisberger being as tough as they come at the quarterback position, Pittsburgh is hopeful they’ll have their two-time Super Bowl champion under center in Denver on Sunday via ESPN:

The Pittsburgh Steelers hold optimism that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can play through what the team initially believed was a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, a source told ESPN.

At this point, the Broncos are the favorites heading toward their showdown with the Steelers in week’s time. Denver is currently favored with a -6.5 point spread (Sportsbook.ag) and will likely continue to be favored regardless of Roethlisberger’s playing status.

Much like Pittsburgh, the Broncos will come into this playoff game with an interesting quarterback situation. Veteran Peyton Manning has been given the nod over Brock Osweiler, but may be on a short leash if he struggles like he has all season long.

As for the Steelers, if Roethlisberger is ultimately unable to play on Sunday, the team will turn to Landry Jones. The Oklahoma product completed only two of the five passes he threw against the Bengals for 11 yards and an interception before Roethlisberger returned.